T-ball, egg hunt and a fashion show!!!

I am getting some time to play a little unexpected "catch up" today!!! Just so we will remember, it has rained in Nashville a total of over 10 inches in the last 36 hours. We have been lucky, but sooo many people we know are dealing with flooding or roofs that are leaking. It is unlike anything we have ever seen...the news says it is the most rain this city has seen, in this short a time, in over 50 years!! The interstates have even been shut down in parts of town due to the level of water rising. So....we have been pleasantly "stuck" at home the last two days (but did get out for a fabulous wedding last night....which I will blog about another time!).


T-ball has been your newly selected activity, Caroline. This is the first organized sport either of you girls have chosen to try. You have been soooo excited about it and from the day we signed up, asked me EVERY day when your first game was. The day of your first day came, and you were dressed and ready as SOON as school was over. However, around 5:00--an hour before we were supposed to play, you fell asleep. I couldn't bring myself to wake you up, until we absolutley had to go.
Sweet picture...............

The team huddled for a meeting before the 1st game

Girls lined up and ready for instructions...........you girls have learned so much each game and we can see the "lights going on" more and more each week. Some highlights for me during the first game were 1.) NO ONE moved in the outfield when the other team hit their first ball (you all just watched the ball roll!!!) and 2.) one of your team members hit the ball and ran to third base!!! We have enjoyed watching sooo much. I do think if this is a sport you continue to play, you could be very good at. We'll see........

Hitting........

The week before Easter, I got the privilege of being apart of your class Easter party, Caroline. It was held at Carson Zhetner's grandparents house and we could not have ordered a better day!! It was gorgeous.

Here is your class with the Easter Bunny himself and his helper, the duck.

Finding all your eggs.........

Stopped for a quick pose with momma

You even got to enjoy a mini tractor ride!!!!!!!

Caitlyn, you were apart of a new activity your school added in this year...after school clubs. You chose to be apart of a club called, "All things girl!" and you LOVED it, of course. You learned about how to do nails, fashion and hair. You talked about manners and being a good friend. On the last day of clubs, the group did a fashion show. You chose to wear the dress Mimi made for you for your birthday. You got to walk out and parade for all the parents. You said you were nervous, but you didn't look it to us!! We were very proud of you!!!

Posing with Daddy after the show. Note: Caroline, you had to dress up (just like sis), too. I wonder if you will always want to be just like her!?

New experiences..........

I'm still trying to play catch up. I just can't seem to find the energy to stay up late and blog....sorry to be soo far behind!!! Hopefully, one day when you read all this, girls, you will care more that momma just got pictures than you do that I was prompt in my timeline!!!
Caitlyn, you started taking horseback riding lessons back in the fall. I was too sick to go and am just now getting some pictures of you and Mr. Jim. He is a sweet and patient man that loves to teach. You are one brave girl...sometimes a little too brave...you scare me quite a bit!!! I am very proud of you for sticking with it, though...even when the learning is slow.

Letting you take off and turn on your own.

This is one GENTLE horse!!! I was a nervous wreck at this point, but Mr. Jim says this is great for building confidence...as long as it is on the right horse!!!!

Caroline, you were more interested in the barn cat...I loved this sweet moment. You don't care much about horses.......I think their size scares you.

You did hop up (only with Caitlyn) for a quick picture, though.

We celebrated Mariana's 4th birthday at the roller skating rink. This was a first for you both. Daddy and I had not skated in over 15 years either. We went early on a Saturday morning when they have open skate for beginners. They let adults out on the rink in shoes to help little ones learn. It was so much fun!!!!! Big Daddy was a great teacher!

After lots of falls, you finally got the hang of it!

Bela and Lucas joined us in the new experience..........

This is how Mariana liked to skate!!!

Even Price got out there with us!!! He was enthralled with all the lights and music!

You finally got it, too, Caroline!!! It is so neat observing you learn new things!!

Another"first" we took part in recently was the Spring 5k fundraiser for Lipscomb Elementary. We weren't able to go last year because we were out of town. It was also so much fun!! You girls and Daddy made it the whole way...I took up the rear and took my sweet time...enjoying the scenery.

There was a dinner and lots of jumpers and games after the race. Here is one of your 1st grade friends, Gabriella. Caroline, I loved how "into" everything you got, too. You are sooo ready to be there next year. We already love and are so thankful for LES!!!!!

Celebrating Spring!!!!!!!!!

We got to attend your last spring program at Otter Creek last week, Caroline (wipe a tear!). What a precious, precious 5 years we have shared with the ladies of OC preschool with both you and Caitlyn!! I will MISS that place soooo much next year........but so thankful little Caleb will get the chance to experience it in 3 short years!! This year's theme was Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Here was the stage decorations.

You all sang three sweet songs...we had heard bits and pieces of them around the house days before.

I so wish my camera did better in the fellowship hall...I have never gotten a great picture of an OC performance...they always turn out so dark. You looked adorable in your green! (I told Daddy that day that it is time for a new camera, for sure!!! Having Caleb is a wonderful excuse!!!)

Mr. Russ came up at the end and sang songs with you and included us, the audience. I really did tear up when we all sang "Do you love Jesus?"

Your audience........Papa, Mimi, Mammi and Big Daddy (minus Daddy and I!) You were tickled to have all your grandparents there just for YOU!

It's, of course, too cold to open the pool yet, but we allowed you and Caitlyn to hop in the hot tub one warm evening last week..............soooooo fun!!!!!!!!! We are soooo happy to see you again, Mr. Sunshine!!!

Annual Gatlinburg Trip and Caitlyn's Birthday!

Each year in the winter we begin getting excited about and counting down the days until our annual Family Gatlinburg trip. We take off on a long weekend for some lazy days in the mountains, full of............ Lots of relaxing and naps.........

Talk time...........

games...........

and more games!!!

And of course, some tickle time from Big Daddy!!!

This year was slightly different because sweet Josue' got sick with a tummy bug that he lovingly gave to several of us........we were a bit more on edge and reclusive because of that, but still managed to make some great memories.

One of my favorite memories was celebrating your 7th birthday while we were there. You had been talking about wanting a surprise party, so Daddy took you out shopping one morning while I went and got a cake and balloons. We had brought up gifts for you, as well. We all hid and when you and Daddy came in, we jumped out and yelled "surprise!". You cried (out of joy!)...it was a precious moment for me and Daddy!

It's so hard (I know I say this each year) to believe you are seven. You are growing way to fast! You continue to be our girly girl...full of desires to dress up, play princess, and do hair, nails and make up. You even are beginning to take an interest in BOYS....ugh. Since starting school you have grown up in the ways you talk and think. We have really good conversations, when you are in the mood to talk. You are becoming increasingly more independent in what you can do and help with around the house. I tell you a lot that you are becoming a "little lady" and you smile. You are still very persistent...especially when it is something you want to do. You don't give up and are a smart negotiater. You have become a wonderful reader and speller. Your friends continue to be very important to you and most days, you would choose to be with friends over family (and I have to remind myself that is normal and good). We are so proud of you and love watching your mature and develop.

The "girl" cousins.........

Laughing and excited about your Hannah Montana music card from Caroline.......

Still into princess.......(I'm so glad!) and happy with your new jean vest from Mammi and Big Daddy.

Kisses to Mimi for another amazing handmade surprise.........

Another pink, sparkly, dress up dress................

Another theme of the weekend was holding and loving over our newest Gatlinburg member...Price. He is growing so much and is so sweet!!!!!!!!! Next year, he will be walking around!

Look at those eyes..............

Your birthday desire was to go ice skating. I wish more of us could have been there. I stayed in the cabin (as did most others) helping to take care of Caroline who got the "bug". You and Daddy had a fun time with Mimi, Papa and Big Daddy watching.

You were worn out after..........

After the sickies past, we did pedicures...........what a girly treat!!!

A group shot........the five cousins. Price (2 months), Josue' (1), Mariana (3), Caitlyn (7) and Caroline (5).

Two random shots...........

Caroline, you and I enjoy "our days" on Tuesdays. I realized these are coming to an end quickly. One of the things you ask to do regularly is to go see Granny. My heart swells that you want to be with her and visit. She doesn't know who we are anymore, but it sure does make her happy to have us with her!!! I pray you and Caitlyn have memories of her when you are older.

Finally, Caleb, you are growing like crazy and are a mover already!!! You girls love to feel brother and watch my tummy roll. Here we are at 6 1/2 months.